Aspiring to change the world; one pound cake at a time

The Motherload!

Over the years, I have tweaked, adjusted, and morphed my meatloaf into what is lovingly called meatload in my house. This is not your mother’s meat loaf, nor my mum’s for that matter. It is a dense, almost-terrine like version of the original that packs a herbaceous punch with a smokey backbone. More…

I am not exactly sure why, but many comfort foods out there have cheese or tomato sauce–or both. This is an issue for me as I am not a big fan of either. In fact, I really only eat smoked cheese. As for tomato sauce, I rarely use it and when I do, it is used rather conservatively. The thing is, I still like comfort food, so I lean towards the meat and potatoes side such as hearty Irish stew, braised short ribs over vegetable gravy, or a simple meatloaf over a bed of mashed potatoes adorned with sweet, vibrant carrots. And when I have not thought ahead but still need a reassuring meal, the latter is a perfect option.

Over the years, I have tweaked, adjusted, and morphed my meatloaf into what is lovingly called meatload in my house. This is not your mother’s meat loaf, nor my mum’s for that matter. It is a dense, almost-terrine like version of the original that packs a herbaceous punch with a smokey backbone. I have also rebranded mashed potatoes for my family’s taste with a few key ingredients: rosemary and white chocolate. The white chocolate was actually not my idea, I saw it in a magazine while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, but it is a damn good one! The result is a blanket of scented creaminess that is still dense. And my carrots are are boiled in salted water and rosemary, and once cooked, finished with a knob of butter. Simple, familiar, and delicious. All in all, this meal is like a strong, warm hug from that big bear uncle, you know the one. It’s the perfect thing to brighten a bad day, but always welcome!

Meatload with Rosemary Mashed Potatoes & Herb-infused Carrots

INGREDIENTS

Meatload Ingredients

454 grams (16oz/1lbs) ground beef

454 grams ((16oz/1lbs) turkey Italian sausage

113 grams (4oz/1/2 cup) Italian bread crumbs

1 egg

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 slices of bacon

Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & quartered

salt, for boiling potatoes

1 tablespoon rosemary, minced

2 ounces white chocolate, shaved

57 grams (2oz/1/4 cup) of heavy cream

57 grams (2oz/1/4 cup) of butter

1 teaspoon of kosher salt

1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper

Herb-infused Carrots Ingredients

carrots, peeled and cut on diagonal

salt, for boiling carrots

1 sprig of rosemary (or 2 of thyme)

1 knob of butter

salt & pepper to taste

MISE EN PLACE

Get meats and egg out of fridge. Set out loaf pan. Measure out bread crumbs and seasoning.

STEP TWO
When the meatload internal temp is at approximately 130 degrees, bring large stock pot to a boil. Add salt and potatoes. Turn down to a simmer and cook until tender. While waiting for potatoes to cook, in a small sauce pan over low heat, warm cream, butter, white chocolate, rosemary, salt, and pepper. When potatoes are done, drain and rice into large serving bowl. Pour cream mixture over riced potatoes and stir. Taste for seasoning.

STEP THREE
Once the potato water is at a boil, turn on the medium sauce pan to bring to a boil. Once there, add salt, carrots, and herb sprig(s). Turn down to cook at a simmer, checking for doneness periodically. Once done, drain, pick out any rosemary, and add butter to melt. Add pepper. Taste for seasoning.

STEP FOUR
Cut meatload into 1/2″ or 1″ slices. On a serving platter, place sliced meatload, potatoes, and carrots. Bring to the table, and dig in!